Mud mortars in masonry construction - Malton, North Yorkshire

Abstract eng:
This paper deals with the historic use of earth mortars in masonry construction and the appropriate conservation and repair of buildings in which these were common. It examines their extensive use in Malton, North Yorkshire, where earth mortars were the material of choice for stonemasons and plasterers until the middle of the 18th century; as commonly in high status as lower status buildings. It demonstrates that earth mortars in masonry construction were very much more common and are much more widespread in the UK (and doubtless elsewhere) than has been generally understood or acknowledged and that this raises serious issues for the investigation and compatible, authentic conservation and repair of these buildings. The primary case study is York House in Malton, a late C15 H-plan house of high status with subsequent significant alteration as a gentry house in both 1620 and 1694. This is illustrated by our own practice during the conservation of this exceptionally significant building and by data produced from ongoing laboratory analysis of early mortars from within York House and beyond.

• Export as: BibTeX | MARC | MARCXML | DC | EndNote | NLM | RefWorks
• Add to your basket